Ilyssa

Ilyssa is a feminine name with Greek origins, generally considered a variant of Elissa or a feminine form of Elias. The name carries meanings associated with 'joyful' or 'oath of God' depending on which root is emphasized. With its lyrical sound pattern and distinctive spelling using 'y' instead of 'i,' Ilyssa strikes a balance between familiar and unique. The name gained modest recognition in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a contemporary yet not overly trendy feel. Ilyssa offers the melodic quality of popular -issa ending names while maintaining its individual identity.

Pronounced ih-LIS-uh.

As of October 2026, Ilyssa ranked #14154 in US births in 2021 SSA, peaked at #3587 in 2004.